http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/lake-michigan-shore-s5.jpgLegislation Attacks Clean Water and is Another Giveaway to Out-of-State Polluters

MADISON – After months of secretive deliberations with lobbyists, Senator Tom Tiffany finally released his Industrial Acid Mining Bill, LRB2652-1, to the public. It is exactly what conservationists feared: a repeal of the Prove It First mining law and a reckless giveaway to out-of-state polluters.

There has never been a metallic sulfide mine that has not polluted nearby drinking water or other water resources like lakes and rivers. Under the Prove It First mining law, mining companies must prove a mine will not spill acid and heavy metals into waters.

Kerry Schumann, executive director, issued this statement:

“The bill introduced by Sen. Tiffany wasn’t unexpected. We knew it was coming and we are ready to let the people of Wisconsin know about its ridiculous giveaways to mining interests. Unfortunately, Sen. Tiffany has been at the forefront of so many attacks on Wisconsin’s natural resources, we have come to expect the absolute worst from him. This bill lives up to that expectation. It would repeal a common sense law that requires America’s most toxic industry – metallic sulfide mining – to prove it won’t harm Wisconsin’s environment. It’s straightforward. Want to dig up our beautiful places? Then prove you won’t permanently damage them. This bill would instead allow mining companies to leave local communities with toxic waters and the bill for cleanup. We urge all legislators to refrain from co-sponsoring this irresponsible legislation.”

You can follow legislation impacting natural resources on our Conservation Vote Tracker, a real-time accountability tool that provides you with a complete picture of what conservation issues are in play and how legislators are performing: http://conservationvoters.org/vote-tracker/